U.S. patent application number 15/148114 was filed with the patent office on 2017-04-06 for semi-automated beverage dispensing machines and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to Cornelius, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Cornelius, Inc.. Invention is credited to Anthony Caringella, Zachary Dresser, Slawomir Kielian.
Application Number | 20170096324 15/148114 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58424283 |
Filed Date | 2017-04-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170096324 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dresser; Zachary ; et
al. |
April 6, 2017 |
SEMI-AUTOMATED BEVERAGE DISPENSING MACHINES AND METHODS
Abstract
Food product dispensing machines and methods for dispensing food
product into a cup. The food product dispensing machine includes a
cup holder having a target element, a sensor that senses the target
element, and a controller. The cup holder is configured to hold a
cup such that the cup prevents the sensor from sensing at least a
portion of the target element. The controller determines whether a
cup is present in the cup holder and/or a size of the cup based on
a remaining portion of the target element that is sensed by the
sensor when the cup is held by the cup holder. Drive mechanisms are
configured to move the first and second cup holders along first and
second radial paths, respectively, with respect to the common
dispensing position. An indicator is configured to indicate a
remaining number of cup dispenses to the user.
Inventors: |
Dresser; Zachary; (West
Chicago, IL) ; Kielian; Slawomir; (Des Plaines,
IL) ; Caringella; Anthony; (Norridge, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cornelius, Inc. |
St. Paul |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Cornelius, Inc.
St. Paul
MN
|
Family ID: |
58424283 |
Appl. No.: |
15/148114 |
Filed: |
May 6, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62236578 |
Oct 2, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B67D 1/124 20130101;
B67D 1/0888 20130101; B67D 1/1236 20130101; B67D 1/0881 20130101;
B67D 1/0894 20130101; B67D 2210/00065 20130101; B67D 2210/00078
20130101; B67D 2210/00076 20130101; B65B 43/48 20130101; A47F 1/085
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B67D 1/08 20060101
B67D001/08; A47F 1/08 20060101 A47F001/08 |
Claims
1. A food product dispensing machine for dispensing food product
into a cup, the food product dispensing machine comprising: a cup
holder that comprises a target element; a sensor that is configured
to sense the target element; wherein the cup holder is configured
to hold the cup such that the cup prevents the sensor from sensing
at least a portion of the target element; and a controller that is
configured to determine a size of the cup based on a remaining
portion of the target element that is sensed by the sensor when the
cup is held by the cup holder.
2. The food product dispensing machine according to claim 1,
wherein the sensor is configured to sense the target element
through a sidewall of the cup holder.
3. The food product dispensing machine according to claim 1,
wherein the cup holder comprises a sidewall and wherein the target
element is at least partially formed by the sidewall.
4. The food product dispensing machine according to claim 1,
wherein the cup holder comprises a base that supports the cup and
front and rear sidewalls, wherein the sensor is configured to sense
the remaining portion of the target element via an opening in the
front sidewall.
5. The food product dispensing machine according to claim 4,
wherein the opening is one of a plurality of openings in the front
sidewall through which the sensor is configured to sense the
remaining portion of the target element.
6. The food product dispensing machine according to claim 1,
wherein the controller is configured to communicate with a memory
that stores a plurality of area values that are correlated to sizes
of cups; and wherein the controller is configured to determine the
size of the cup by comparing the remaining portion of the target
element to the plurality of area values.
7. The food product dispensing machine according to claim 6,
wherein the controller is configured to control the dispensing
machine to indicate the size of the cup to a user.
8. A method of determining cup size in a food product dispensing
machine for dispensing food product, the method comprising: placing
a cup in a cup holder; sensing a remaining portion of the target
element associated with the cup holder that is not obstructed by
the cup; determining a size of the cup based on the remaining
portion of the target element; and indicating the size of the cup
to a user of the food product dispensing machine.
9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising determining
the size of the cup by comparing the remaining portion of the
target element to a plurality of cup sizes that are correlated to
sizes of cups.
10. A food product dispensing machine for dispensing food product,
the food product dispensing machine comprising: a food product
dispenser; a first cup holder that is configured to hold a first
cup; a first drive mechanism that is configured to move the first
cup holder on a deck between a first staging position for receiving
the first cup in the first cup holder and a common dispensing
position for receiving food product from the food product
dispenser; a second cup holder that is configured to hold a second
cup; and a second drive mechanism that is configured to move the
second cup holder on the deck between a second staging position for
receiving the second cup in the second cup holder and the common
dispensing position; wherein the first and second drive mechanisms
are configured to move the first and second cup holders along first
and second radial paths, respectively, with respect to the common
dispensing position.
11. The food product dispensing machine according to claim 10,
wherein the first and second radial paths are straight line paths
that are radially spaced apart from each other.
12. The food product dispensing machine according to claim 10,
further comprising a third cup holder that is configured to hold a
third cup and a third drive mechanism that is configured to move
the third cup holder on the deck between a third staging position
for receiving the third cup in the third cup holder and the common
dispensing position, wherein the third drive mechanism travels
along a third radial path with respect to the common dispensing
position.
13. The food product dispensing machine according to claim 12,
wherein the first, second and third radial paths are straight line
paths that are radially spaced apart from each other.
14. The food product dispensing machine according to claim 13,
wherein the first, second and third staging positions form an arc
about the common dispensing position.
15. The food product dispensing machine according to claim 10,
wherein the first cup holder comprises a semi-spherical protrusion
that is configured to abut the deck and reduce friction between the
first cup holder and the deck as the first cup holder is moved on
the deck.
16. The food product dispensing machine according to claim 10,
wherein the first cup holder retains first driven magnet, wherein
the first drive mechanism retains a first driving magnet; and
wherein the first driving magnet magnetically couples first cup
holder through the deck to the first drive mechanism via magnetic
attraction to the first driven magnet.
17. The food product dispensing machine according to claim 16,
wherein the first cup holder retains second and third driven
magnets that have a polarity that is opposite the first driven
magnet; wherein the first drive mechanism also retains second and
third driving magnets that have a polarity that is opposite the
first driving magnet; and wherein the first driven magnet is
magnetically coupled to the first driving magnet, the second driven
magnet is magnetically coupled to the second driving magnet, and
the third driven magnet is magnetically coupled to the third
driving magnet.
18. The food product dispensing machine according to claim 17,
wherein the first, second and third driving magnets form a
triangular shape.
19. A food product dispensing machine for dispensing food product,
the food product dispensing machine comprising: a food product
dispenser; a cup holder that is configured to hold a cup; a drive
mechanism that is configured to move the cup holder on a deck
between a first staging position for receiving the cup in the cup
holder and a dispensing position for receiving food product from
the food product dispenser; first, second and third driving magnets
on the drive mechanism, the second and third driving magnets having
a polarity that is opposite the first driving magnet; first, second
and third driven magnets on the cup holder, the second and third
driven magnets having a polarity that is opposite the first driven
magnet; wherein the first driven magnet is magnetically coupled to
the first driving magnet, the second driven magnet is magnetically
coupled to the second driving magnet, and the third driven magnet
is magnetically coupled to the third driving magnet; wherein due to
the polarities of the first, second and third drive magnets and
polarities of the first, second and third driven magnets, the cup
holder automatically aligns with the drive mechanism when the cup
holder is placed on the deck.
20. A food product dispensing machine comprising: a cup dispenser
comprising a first cup housing that is configured to hold a
plurality of cups, the first cup housing having a first outlet
through which a user can manually dispense cups; a first dispense
sensor that is configured to sense cups that are dispensed through
the outlet; an indicator coupled to the cup dispenser, wherein the
indicator is configured to indicate a remaining number of cup
dispenses to the user, the indicator comprising a plurality of
lights; and a controller that is configured to receive beverage
order data from a user and to control the indicator based on the
cup dispenses sensed by the first dispense sensor and the beverage
order data; wherein the controller is configured to selectively
control each light in the plurality of lights such that the
plurality of lights indicates the remaining number of cup dispenses
to the user; and wherein the controller is configured to calculate
the remaining number of cup dispenses based on a difference between
the cup dispenses sensed by the dispense sensor and a number of
beverages in the beverage order data.
21. The food product dispensing machine according to claim 20,
further comprising: a second cup housing that is configured to hold
a plurality of cups, the second cup housing defining a second
outlet through which a user can dispense cups; a third cup housing
that is configured to hold a plurality of cups, the third cup
housing defining a third outlet through which a user can dispense
cups; a second dispense sensor that senses cups dispensed through
the second outlet; and a third dispense sensor that senses cups
dispensed through the third outlet; wherein the indicator is
configured to indicate a remaining number of cup dispenses from the
each of the first, second, and third cup housings.
22. A food product dispensing machine for dispensing food product
to a cup, the food product dispensing machine comprising: a cup
holder configured to hold the cup; a first sensor that is
configured to sense an attribute of the cup; and a controller that
is configured to determine a size of the cup based on the attribute
of the cup.
23. The food product dispensing machine according to claim 22,
wherein the attribute is a diameter of the cup.
24. The food product dispensing machine according to claim 22,
wherein the cup holder further comprises a target element; and
further comprising a second sensor that senses the target element,
wherein the cup holder is configured to hold a cup such that the
cup prevents the second sensor from sensing at least a portion of
the target element; and wherein the controller is configured to
determine the size of the cup based on a remaining portion of the
target element that is sensed by the second sensor when the cup is
held by the cup holder.
25. The food product dispensing machine according to claim 23,
further comprising: a cup dispenser having a first cup housing that
is configured to hold a plurality of cups that are manually
dispensable by a user; and a dispense sensor that is configured to
sense cups that are dispensed from the cup dispenser; wherein the
controller is configured determine the size of the cup based on the
dispense of the cup sensed by the dispense sensor.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/236,578, filed on Oct. 2, 2015, which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to food product dispensing
machines, specifically semi-automated beverage dispensing
machines.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The following patents are incorporated herein by reference
in entirety:
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,343,716 discloses a cold plate beverage
dispenser having a cold plate that is oriented within a housing of
a dispenser such that the fluid lines extending through the cold
plate extend in a pattern, which prevents ice bridging from
occurring at the back end of the device. The cold plate includes
stainless steel wire coils within each water line along an end
portion for turbulating the water as it passes therethrough to
provide for enhanced heat exchange between the fluid, the cold
plate and the fluid line end portion.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,369 discloses a beverage dispenser that
provides desired ratios of mixed concentrate and diluent more
accurately. The dispenser includes a valve housing having an inlet
and an outlet for a concentrate; an inlet and an outlet for a
diluent; and a reciprocating piston in a central passageway between
the inlets and outlets. The piston is reciprocally movable between
a first position in which flow to both outlets is blocked and a
second position in which both outlets are open to flow. A flow rate
sensor is for the concentrate and a flow rate sensor is for the
diluent. The sensors are connected to a controller such that the
diluent flow rate is adjusted by movement of the piston according
to the concentrate flow rate to achieve a predetermined ratio of
concentrate to diluent for the dispensed beverage.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 8,770,446 discloses a system and method for
dispensing a predetermined portion of a beverage or drink additive
using a cost effective portion control valve that replaces
electrical components with mechanical components. A controlled
portion of a beverage is dispensed when a lever is activated. A
magnetically coupled linkage system can control the exact amount of
fluid dispensed. A valve block contains a beverage input, a
beverage outlet, and a valve seal. A lever arm is connected to the
valve seal and connected to a magnetic housing containing a valve
magnet. A yoke pivots about the valve block. The yoke contains a
yoke magnet aligned to interface with the valve magnet. A lever arm
return spring is connected to the lever arm and the valve block to
bias the lever arm return spring to a resting position. As the yoke
pivots beyond a predetermined distance, the yoke magnet separates
from the valve magnet allowing the lever arm to return to the
resting position closing the valve.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 9,045,323 discloses a process for dispensing a
beverage into a cup including: providing a dispensing structure;
providing a transportation mechanism linked with the dispensing
structure; providing a staging structure linked with the
transportation structure; providing a control system linked with
the dispensing structure, staging structure and the transportation
mechanism; providing a sensor mechanism linked with the control
system, the sensor mechanism providing signals indicating the
position of a cup; providing a cup identification system having an
interactive display connected to the control system; picking a cup
from a storage device and positioning it within a dispensing
structure; dispensing ice and a beverage at separate locations
within the dispensing structure; transporting the filled beverage
to a staging structure; positioning the filled cup in the staging
structure; and removing the filled cup from the staging structure
for sale to a customer wherein the cup identification system and
the display outputs visual characteristics indicating the position
and characteristics of a cup at every stage of the process.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 9,010,577 discloses a fountain beverage
dispenser for constituting a beverage by mixture of a syrup and a
diluent for the syrup. A highly concentrated beverage syrup supply
and at least one diluent and syrup blending station are used for
diluting the highly concentrated syrup with diluent before the
diluted syrup is mixed with diluent in the final mixture of syrup
and diluent delivered to a dispensing nozzle.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 9,017,485 discloses an ice dispensing system
that includes an ice hopper structure including a plurality of
walls having inner surfaces that define an inner volume storing ice
therein. The ice hopper may include a drain. A cleaning structure
is coupled to the ice hopper structure. The cleaning structure
includes a pump linked to a spray mechanism positioned within the
inner volume of the ice hopper structure. The spray mechanism
disperses a liquid on an inner surface of the ice hopper structure
during a cleaning cycle of the ice dispensing mechanism.
SUMMARY
[0010] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts that are further described herein in the Detailed
Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or
central features from the claimed subject matter, nor is it
intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
[0011] In certain examples, a food product dispensing machine is
for dispensing food product into a cup. The food product dispensing
machine comprises a cup holder that includes a target element and a
sensor that is configured to sense the target element. The cup
holder is configured to hold the cup such that the cup prevents the
sensor from sensing at least a portion of the target element. A
controller is configured to determine a size of the cup based on a
remaining portion of the target element that is sensed by the
sensor when the cup is held by the cup holder.
[0012] In certain examples, a method is for determining cup size in
a food product dispensing machine for dispensing food product. The
method comprises placing a cup in a cup holder; sensing a remaining
portion of the target element associated with the cup holder that
is not obstructed by the cup; determining a size of the cup based
on the remaining portion of the target element; and indicating the
size of the cup to a user of the food product dispensing
machine.
[0013] In certain examples, a food product dispensing machine is
for dispensing food product. The food product dispensing machine
includes a food product dispenser; a first cup holder that is
configured to hold a first cup; a first drive mechanism that is
configured to move the first cup holder on a deck between a first
staging position for receiving the first cup in the first cup
holder and a common dispensing position for receiving food product
from the food product dispenser; a second cup holder that is
configured to hold a second cup; and a second drive mechanism that
is configured to move the second cup holder on the deck between a
second staging position for receiving the second cup in the second
cup holder and the common dispensing position. The first and second
drive mechanisms are configured to move the first and second cup
holders along first and second radial paths, respectively, with
respect to the common dispensing position.
[0014] In certain examples, a food product dispensing machine is
provided with a cup dispenser having a first cup housing that is
configured to hold a plurality of cups. The first cup housing has a
first outlet through which a user can manually dispense cups. A
first dispense sensor is configured to sense cups that are
dispensed through the outlet. An indicator is coupled to the cup
dispenser and configured to indicate a remaining number of cup
dispenses to the user. The indicator comprises a plurality of
lights. A controller is configured to receive beverage order data
from a user and to control the indicator based on the cup dispenses
sensed by the first dispense sensor and the beverage order data.
The controller is configured to selectively control each light in
the plurality of lights such that the plurality of lights indicates
the remaining number of cup dispenses to the user. The controller
is configured to calculate the remaining number of cup dispenses
based on a difference between the cup dispenses sensed by the
dispense sensor and a number of beverages in the beverage order
data.
[0015] In certain examples, a food product dispensing machine
comprises a cup holder configured to hold the cup, a first sensor
that is configured to sense an attribute of the cup, and a
controller that is configured to determine presence of a cup and/or
a size of the cup based on the attribute of the cup.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Examples are described with reference to the following
drawing FIGURES. The same numbers are used throughout the FIGURES
to reference like features and components.
[0017] FIG. 1 is an example dispensing machine.
[0018] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a deck of the dispensing
machine of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is an example cup holder.
[0020] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the cup holder of FIG. 3.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the deck of FIG. 2.
[0022] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a drive mechanism.
[0023] FIG. 7 is cross-sectional view of the deck of FIG. 2 along
7-7 of FIG. 5, showing a cup holder in a staging position (solid
lines) and a dispensing position (dashed lines).
[0024] FIG. 8 is an example system diagram.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a side view of the cup holder of FIG. 3 without a
cup.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a side view of the cup holder of FIG. 3 with a
small cup.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a side view of the cup holder of FIG. 3 with a
medium cup.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a side view of the cup holder of FIG. 3 with a
large cup.
[0029] FIGS. 13-21 are perspective views of the dispensing machine
during operation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The present disclosure provides examples of food product
dispensing machines that dispense a food product into a cup. The
dispensing machines can include cup holders that move one or more
cups from a staging position to a dispensing position where the
cups are filled with the food product. The dispensing machine can
be useful in high quantity food vending applications such as
restaurants where multiple cups are quickly filled.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, the dispensing machine 10 includes a
cup dispenser 90 having one or more cup housings 92a-92c for
storing stacks of cups 15 having different sizes. Each cup housing
92a-92c has an outlet 94 from which the user or operator can
manually dispense the cups 15. A dispense sensor 96 and/or an
indicator 98 are coupled to each of the cup housings 92a-92c. To
dispense a cup 15, the user pulls on the lowermost cup 15 of the
stack of cups. The dispense sensor 96 senses when the cup 15 is
dispensed through the outlet 94. The indicator 98 is coupled to the
cup housing (see respective cup housings 92a-92c) and is configured
to indicate to the user a remaining number of cup dispenses (i.e.
the remaining number of cup dispenses is the number of cups 15
still yet to be dispensed from the respective cup dispenser 90, and
more particularly from the respective cup housings 92a-92c). The
indicator 98 can include a display panel and/or a plurality of
lights 99. In one non-limiting example, a first dispense sensor 96
is coupled to a first cup housing 92a and senses cups 15 dispensed
through a first outlet 94; a second dispense sensor (not shown) is
coupled to a second cup housing 92b and senses cups 15 dispensed
through a second outlet 94; and a third dispense sensor (not shown)
is coupled to a third cup housing 92c and senses cups 15 dispensed
through a third outlet 94.
[0032] Each cup 15 that is dispensed from the cup dispenser 90 can
be received in one of a plurality of cup holders 20 (see also FIGS.
3-4) which are removably coupled to the dispensing machine 10, as
will be further explained herein below. Each cup holder 20 is
supported on a deck 18 and is movable along an associated radial
path 74 on the deck 18. Each radial path 74 is a straight line
path. The respective radial paths 74 are radially spaced apart from
each other. Each radial path 74 ends at a staging position 70 where
the user places the cup in the cup holder 20 and a dispensing
position 72 where the cup 15 receives food product from the food
product dispenser 14. (see also FIGS. 1 and 7). The dispensing
position 72 is radially inwardly from the staging positions 70, and
the staging positions 70 form an arc about the dispensing position
72. In the illustrated example, the dispensing position 72 is
common for all cup holders 20.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 3-4, the cup holder 20 includes a base
28, a front sidewall 31, a rear sidewall 33, and a target element
22. The base 28 supports the cup 15 when the cup 15 is received by
the cup holder 20. The sidewalls 31, 33 are coupled to the base 28
and extend axially away from the base 28 such that the front
sidewall 31 is radially opposite the rear sidewall 33. A top
portion 32 of the front sidewall 31 and a top portion 34 of the
rear sidewall 33 are on opposite sides of the cup 15 when the cup
15 is supported by the cup holder 20. The front sidewall 31 defines
an opening 35. The target element 22 is coupled to or partially
formed in the rear sidewall 33. The front sidewall 31 and/or the
rear sidewall 33 slope radially away from the base 28. In some
examples, a radially projecting top edge 36 and/or radially
projecting side elements 37 are coupled to the front sidewall 31
and/or the rear sidewall 33. In other examples, the sidewalls 31,
33 include a plurality of spaced-apart openings 35.
[0034] The cup holder 20 includes a plate 40 that is coupled to the
base 28 by fasteners 41. The plate 40 retains at least one driven
magnet 38 in the base 28. The plate 40 can include one or more
protrusions 39 that are configured to contact the deck 18 and
reduce friction between the cup holder 20 and the deck 18 as the
cup holder 20 is moved along the deck 18 (see FIG. 7). The plate 40
can retain a second and/or third driven magnets 38 in the base 28
of the cup holder 20. The second and third driven magnets 38 have
polarities that are opposite the first driven magnet 38 (see FIG. 4
depicting the first, second, and third driven magnets 38 with
different polarities, respectively, where the letter "S" is for
south and "N" is for north). The protrusions 36 can be
semi-spherical in shape.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 5-7, drive mechanisms 60 are positioned
below the deck 18 and are configured to magnetically couple with
the cup holders 20, as described further herein below. Each drive
mechanism 60 moves a respective cup holder 20 along an associated
radial path 74 between the staging position 70 and the dispensing
position 72. In the illustrated example, each drive mechanism 60
includes a drive motor 63, a lead screw assembly 64, a drive body
65, and a limit switch 66. The drive body 65 is connected to a lead
screw 67 of the lead screw assembly 64. The drive motor 63, which
is connected to a power source 130 (see FIG. 8), is configured to
rotate the lead screw 67 such that the drive body 65 moves toward
the dispensing position 72. The drive motor 63 is also configured
to rotate the lead screw 67 in an opposite direction such that the
drive body 65 moves toward the staging position 70. The limit
switch 66 can turn off power to the drive motor 63 when the drive
body 65 contacts the limit switch 66.
[0036] The drive body 65 carries a driving magnet 62 which
magnetically couples to driven magnets 38 when the cup holder 20 is
placed on or adjacent to the deck 18. In FIG. 7, the driving magnet
62 is magnetically coupled to the driven magnet 38 and the cup
holder 20 is in the staging position 70 (the cup holder 20 is shown
in solid lines while in the staging position 70). As the drive
motor 63 rotates the lead screw 67, the drive body 65 and the cup
holder 20 are caused to move along the radial path 74 toward the
dispensing position 72 (the cup holder 20 is shown in dashed lines
while in the dispensing position 72). The drive body 65 can include
a second and/or third driving magnet 62 that have polarities that
are opposite the first driving magnet 62 (see FIG. 6 depicting the
first, second, and third driving magnets 62, wherein the letter "S"
is for south and "N" is for north). In one example, the first
driven magnet 38 magnetically couples to the first driving magnet
62, the second driven magnet 38 magnetically couples to the second
driving magnet 62, and the third driven magnet 38 magnetically
couples to the third driving magnet 62. Thus, the driven magnets 38
are configured to magnetically couple with the driving magnets 62
and cause the cup holder 20 to rotate, "clock" into a predetermined
orientation and/or automatically align with the drive mechanism 60
and/or the driving magnets 62, due to the polarities of the magnets
38, 62. For example, when the cup holder 20 is moved toward the
driving magnets 62, the driving magnets 62 with north polarities
resist the driven magnets 38 with north polarities and the driving
magnets 62 with south polarities attract to the driven magnets 38
with north polarities, thus causing the cup holder 20 to rotate or
"clock" to the predetermined orientation such that the driving
magnets 62 with the north polarities are positioned close to the
driven magnets 38 with south polarities and the driving magnets 62
with south polarities are positioned close to the driven magnets 38
with north polarities. In some examples, the first, second, and
third driving magnets 62 can form a triangular shape.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 8, the dispensing machine 10 can be part
of and controlled by a system 111. The system 111 can include a
computer controller 116 that is programmable and includes a
processor 112 and a memory 114. The controller 116 can be located
with or remotely from the system 111 and can communicate with
various components of the dispensing machine via wired and/or
wireless links, as will be explained further herein below. Although
FIG. 8 shows a single controller 116, the system 111 can include
more than one controller 116. Portions of the methods described
herein can be carried out by a single controller or by several
separate controllers. Each controller 116 can have one or more
control sections or control units. One having ordinary skill in the
art will recognize that the controller 116 can have many different
forms and is not limited to the example that is shown and
described.
[0038] In some examples, the controller 116 can include a computing
system that includes a processing system, storage system, software,
and input/output (I/O) interfaces for communicating with devices
described herein. The processing system loads and executes software
from the storage system, such as software programmed with a display
and moving control method. When executed by the computing system,
display software directs the processing system to operate as
described herein to execute image display or notification on a
display panel 50 such as light illumination, light colors, audible
sounds, and/or vibrations. In another example, when executed by the
computing system, movement software directs the processing system
to operate the drive mechanisms 60 described herein to execute
movement of the cup holders 20 on the deck 18 (see FIG. 7).
[0039] The computing system may include one or many application
modules and one or more processors, which may be communicatively
connected. The processing system may comprise a microprocessor
(e.g., processor 112) and other circuitry that retrieves and
executes software from the storage system. Processing system can be
implemented within a single processing device but can also be
distributed across multiple processing devices or sub-systems that
cooperate in existing program instructions. Non-limiting examples
of the processing system include general purpose central processing
units, applications specific processors, and logic devices.
[0040] The storage system (e.g., memory 114) can comprise any
storage media readable by the processing system and capable of
storing software. The storage system can include volatile and
non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any
method or technology for storage of information, such as computer
readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other
data. The storage system can be implemented as a single storage
device or across multiple storage devices or sub-systems. The
storage system can further include additional elements, such as a
controller capable of communicating with the processing system. The
storage media can be a non-transitory or a transitory storage
media.
[0041] In the illustrated example, the controller 116 communicates
with one or more components of the system 111 via communication
links 113, which can be wired or wireless links. The controller 116
is capable of monitoring and controlling one or more operational
characteristics of the system 111 and its various subsystems by
sending and receiving control signals via the communication links
113. It should be noted that the extent of connections of the
communication links 113 shown herein is for schematic purposes
only, and the communication links 113 provide communication between
the controller 116 and each of the sensors, devices, and various
subsystems described herein, although not every connection is shown
in the drawing for purposes of clarity. The controller 116 can
control the display panels 50, and the controller 116 may
coordinate display information on multiple display panels 50.
[0042] The system 111 can include several modules. A user interface
module 119 can allow the user or operator to control the dispenser
14 and/or fluid valves (not shown). For example, the user may
interact with the display panel 50 (see FIG. 1) to select a
beverage and/or flavors, activate the dispenser 14, and/or activate
the drive mechanism 60. The user interface module 119 may be
connected to a remote (not shown), a control panel, a connection
port, an existing point-of-service computer network, and/or the
like. A control module 121 such as an internet or network module
can connect the dispensing machine 10 to the internet. The control
module 121 may also send beverage data to the user interface module
119. The control module 121 can be wireless or wired, and the
control module 121 can allow a remote user to control the
components of the dispensing machine 10.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the drive mechanisms 60 are
controlled by the controller 116 (see FIG. 8). For example, the
controller 116 can regulate power from the power source 130 to the
drive mechanisms 60 (see FIG. 8).
[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, the dispensing machine 10 includes a
first sensor 44 that senses presence and/or an attribute of the cup
15 in a cup holder 20 and sends a signal related to what is sensed
to the controller 116 (see FIG. 8). The controller 116 is
configured to determine if a cup 15 is received by the cup holder
20 and/or verify the size of the cup 15 received by the cup holder
20. Based on the size of the cup 15 determined by the controller
116, the controller 116 is configured to activate the drive
mechanism 60 to move the cup holder 20 to the dispensing position
72 and/or activate the dispenser 14 to dispense an amount of food
product corresponding to the size of the cup 15. The first sensor
44 can concurrently detect the presence of cups 15 in all cup
holders 20. Alternatively, the first sensor 44 can sense the
presence of a cup 15 in a single cup holder 20, such as a cup
holder 20 positioned at the dispensing position 72. The first
sensor 44 senses the diameter of the cup 15 or any other attribute
of the cup 15 (i.e. depth, circumference). The features described
above, and later herein, expedite filling of cups 15 and increase
the output of filled cups 15 from the dispensing machine 10 (e.g.
activation of the drive mechanism 60 as soon as the presence and/or
size of the cup 15 is determined deceases the amount of time a cup
15 remains unfilled).
[0045] Referring to FIG. 2, the dispensing machine 10 can include a
second sensor 45 that senses the target element 22 (see FIGS. 2-3).
The second sensor 45 can sense in a direction B which is orientated
toward the dispensing position 72. When the cup holder 20 is in the
dispensing position 72, the second sensor 45 senses the target
element 22 and sends a signal related to what is sensed to the
controller 116 (see FIG. 8). If a cup 15 is in the cup holder 20,
the second sensor 45 cannot sense portions of the target element 22
that are blocked by the cup 15. As explained further herein below,
the controller 116 can be configured to interpret the signal from
the second sensor 45 and determine if there is a cup 15 in the cup
holder 20 and if so, the size of the cup 15 in the cup holder 20.
Based on the size of the cup 15 determined by the controller 116,
the controller 116 activates the dispenser 14 to dispense an amount
of food product corresponding to the size of the cup 15 to thereby
adequately fill, without overfilling, the cup 15 in the cup holder
20 at the dispensing position 72. The sensors 44, 45 can be
proximity sensors, cameras, light sensors, ultrasonic sensors,
and/or the like.
[0046] In some examples, the controller 116 interprets the
remaining portion of the target element 22 (e.g. the surface area
of the target element 22 not blocked by the cup 15 while the cup 15
is in the cup holder 20) sensed by the second sensor 45 to thereby
determine the size of the cup 15. The signal relayed by the second
sensor 45 to the controller 116 can be an image of the target
element 22, data related to the amount of light reflecting from the
target element 22, and/or the like. The controller 116 can be
configured to communicate with a memory 114 that stores a plurality
of target element 22 surface area values (such as in a look-up
table) that are correlated to sizes of the cups 15, such as small,
medium, and/or large. The controller 116 can be configured to
compare the surface area of the remaining portion of the target
element 22 sensed by the second sensor 45 to the plurality of area
values in the memory 114 to thereby determine the size of the cup
15. The controller 116 can account for the portions of the target
element 22 blocked by the front sidewall 31.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 9-12, several views of the cup holder 20
without and with cups 15 are shown. In FIG. 9, the cup holder 20 is
depicted without a cup 15, the second sensor 45 senses most
portions of the target element 22 through openings 35 in the front
sidewall 31. In FIG. 10, a small cup 15 is supported by the cup
holder 20 such that the second sensor 45 senses remaining portions
of the target element 22 near the top portion 34 of the rear
sidewall 33 and the sides of the cup 15. In FIG. 11, a medium cup
15 is supported by the cup holder 20 such that the second sensor 45
senses remaining portions of the target element 22 near the top
portion 34 of the rear sidewall 33 (i.e. the remaining portions of
the target element 22 are relatively smaller when compared to the
remaining portions of the target element 22 when a small cup 15 is
supported by the cup holder 20). In FIG. 12, a large cup 15 is
supported by the cup holder 20 such that the second sensor 45 does
not sense the target element 22 because the large cup 15 obstructs
all portions of the target element 22 from being sensed by the
second sensor 45.
[0048] In certain examples, the cup 15 need not be aligned in the
center of the cup holder 20 for the second sensor 45 to correctly
sense of the target element 22 or for the controller 116 to
correctly determine of the size of the cup 15. For example, the
controller 116 can determine the size of the cup 15 in the cup
holder 20 based on a cumulative area of the remaining portion of
the target element 22 sensed by the second sensor 45. Stated
another way, if the cup 15 is not centered in the cup holder 20,
the second sensor 45 will detect the remaining portion of the
target element 22 not blocked by the cup 15 regardless of the
division of the remaining portion of the target element 22 such
that the controller 116 can determine the size of the cup 15 in the
cup holder 20. In other examples, the controller can be configured
to determine the size of the cup 15 in the cup holder 20 based on a
total number of target elements 22 sensed by the second sensor
45.
[0049] The controller 116 can be configured to utilize signals from
the first sensor 44, the second sensor 45, and/or the dispense
sensor 96 during the operation of the dispensing machine 10 to
determine the presence and/or size of the cups 15 in the cup
holders 20. In certain examples, the dispense sensor 96 is
configured to sense a dispense of a cup 15 from the cup dispenser
90 and send a signal to the controller 116. After the user places
the dispensed cup 15 into a cup holder 20, the first sensor 44
senses presence and/or an attribute of the cup 15 in the cup holder
20 and relays a signal to the controller 116, which determines the
presence and/or size of the cup 15 (as described above). The drive
mechanism 60 then activates to move the cup 15 toward the
dispensing position 72, where the second sensor 45 senses the
target element 22 of the cup holder 20 (as described above). The
second sensor 45 relays a signal (as described above) to the
controller 116 which determines and/or verifies the size of the cup
15 in the cup holder 20 at the dispensing position 72. The
controller 116 then activates the dispenser 14 which dispenses an
amount of food product corresponding to the size of the cup 15. The
drive mechanism 60 is then activated to move the cup 15 filled with
food product in the cup holder 20 away from the dispensing position
72. In certain examples, the first sensor 44 can be configured to
sense the presence of the cup 15 in the cup holder 20 when the cup
holder 20 is in the dispensing position 72. The controller 116 can
be configured to compare and/or verify the size and/or presence of
the cup 15 in the cup holder 20 based on the signals received from
the dispense sensor 96, first sensor 44, and/or second sensor 45.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 8, the controller 116 can be configured to
control the indicator 98 and/or lights 99. During operation, the
controller 116 can be configured to receive beverage data from the
control module 121 and to control the indicator 98 based on
beverage data and a number of cup dispenses sensed by the dispense
sensors 96. The controller 116 can be configured to selectively
control each light 99 to indicate the remaining number of cup
dispenses to the user from each cup housing 92a-92c. The controller
116 then calculates the remaining number of cup dispenses based on
the difference between a number of cups 15 already dispensed from
the cup housings 92a-92c and sensed by the corresponding dispense
sensors 96 and a number of beverages in the beverage data.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 13-21, which are individually discussed
herein below, an example dispensing machine 10 includes a plurality
of cup holders 20a, 20b, 20c. The first cup holder 20a is
configured to hold a first cup 15a, the second cup holder 20b is
configured to hold a second cup 15b, and the third cup holder 20c
is configured to hold a third cup 15c (see FIG. 21).
[0051] As described above, drive mechanisms 60 (see FIG. 6) under
the deck 18 are configured to move the cup holders 20a, 20b, 20c
along first, second, and third radial paths 74a, 74b, 74c,
respectively, on the deck 18 between staging positions 70a, 70b,
70c, respectively, and the common dispensing position 72. The
dispenser 14 is positioned inwardly from the staging positions 70a,
70b, 70c and adjacent to the dispensing position 72. For example, a
first drive mechanism (see FIG. 5) moves the first cup holder 20a
on the deck 18 between the first staging position 70a where the
first cup 15a is received in the first cup holder 20a and the
common dispensing position 72 where the food product is dispensed
from the dispenser 14 into the first cup 15a (see FIGS. 19-21).
Similarly, a second drive mechanism (see FIG. 5) moves the second
cup holder 20b on the deck 18 between the second staging position
70b where the second cup 15b is received in the second cup holder
20b and the common dispensing position 72 where the food product is
dispensed from the dispenser 14 into the second cup 15b (see FIGS.
15-17). Still further, a third drive mechanism (see FIG. 5) moves
the third cup holder 20c on the deck 18 between the third staging
position 70c where the third cup 15c is received in the third cup
holder 20c and the common dispensing position 72 where the food
product is dispensed from the dispenser 14 into the third cup 15c
(see FIGS. 17-19).
[0052] FIGS. 13-21 depict an example operational sequence for the
dispensing machine 10. This example includes three cup housing 92a,
92b, 92c.
[0053] FIG. 13 depicts a single light 99 on each cup housing 92a,
92b, 92c illuminated by the controller 116 based on the beverage
data received by the controller 116. The illuminated lights 99
indicate to the user the number of cups 15 to be manually dispensed
from each cup housing 92a, 92b, 92c, respectively. In this example,
one cup from each cup housing 92a, 92b, 92c is dispensed by the
user.
[0054] FIG. 14 depicts a cup 15a dispensed from the third cup
housing 92c and placed in the first cup holder 20a. Accordingly,
the previously illuminated light 99 (see FIG. 13) on the third cup
housing 92c is turned off by the controller 116 when the third
dispense sensor detects the cup 15a dispensed from the third cup
housing 92c. The previously illuminated lights 99 on the first cup
housing 92a and the second cup housing 92c remain illuminated which
indicates to the user that one additional cup 15 from the first and
second cup housing 92a, 92b must still be dispensed.
[0055] FIG. 15 depicts the cup 15a dispensed from the third cup
housing 92c placed in the first cup holder 20a (as described with
respect to FIG. 14), the second cup 15b from the first cup housing
92a placed in the second cup holder 20b, and the third cup 15c from
the second cup housing 92b placed in the third cup holder 20c.
Accordingly, the lights 99 on the cup housing 92a, 92b, 92c are
turned off by the controller 116 as the correct cups 15a, 15b, 15c
are dispensed from cup housings 92a, 92b, 92c, respectively, and
sensed by the dispense sensors 96.
[0056] FIG. 16 depicts the second cup holder 20b as it is moved
along the second radial path 74b toward the rear of the dispensing
machine 10 from the second staging position 70b to the dispensing
position 72. In the dispensing position 72, food product is
dispensed by the dispenser 14 into the cup 15b.
[0057] FIG. 17 depicts the second cup holder 20b as it is moved
along the second radial path 74b toward the front of the dispensing
machine 10 from the dispensing position 72 to the staging position
70b. The user can remove the second cup 15b from the cup holder
20b.
[0058] FIG. 18 depicts the third cup holder 20c as it is moved
along the third radial path 74c toward the rear of the dispensing
machine 10 from the third staging position 70c to the dispensing
position 72. In the dispensing position 72, food product is
dispensed by the dispenser 14 into the third cup 15c.
[0059] FIG. 19 depicts the third cup holder 20c as it is moved
along the third radial path 74c toward the front of the dispensing
machine 10 from the dispensing position 72 to the staging position
70c. The user can remove the third cup 15c from the cup holder
20c.
[0060] FIG. 20 depicts the first cup holder 20a as it is moved
along the first radial path 74a toward the rear of the dispensing
machine 10 from the first staging position 70a to the dispensing
position 72. In the dispensing position 72, food product is
dispensed by the dispenser 14 into the cup 15a.
[0061] FIG. 21 depicts the first cup holder 20a as it is moved
along the first radial path 74a toward the front of the dispensing
machine 10 from the dispensing position 72 to the staging position
70a. The user can remove the cup 15a from the cup holder 20a
[0062] As discussed herein above, the present disclosure includes
examples of dispensing machines 10. In one example, the dispensing
machine 10 includes the cup holder 20 that comprises the target
element 22, the second sensor 45 that senses the target element 22,
and the controller 116. The cup holder 20 is configured to hold the
cup 15 such that the cup 15 prevents the second sensor 45 from
sensing at least a portion of the target element 22, and the
controller 116 determines the size of the cup 15 based on the
remaining portion of the target element 22 that is sensed by the
second sensor 45 when the cup 15 is held by the cup holder 20. The
controller 116 is configured to communicate with a memory 114 that
stores a plurality of area values that are correlated to sizes of
the cup 15, and the controller 116 is further configured to compare
the remaining portions of the target element 22 to the plurality of
area values to determine the size of the cup 15.
[0063] In certain examples, the dispensing machine 10 includes the
food product dispenser 14, the first cup holder 20a configured to
hold a first cup 15a, and the first drive mechanism 60 which moves
the first cup holder 20a on the deck 18 between the first staging
position 70a where the first cup 15a is received in the first cup
holder 20a and the common dispensing position 72 where the cup 15a
receives food product from the food product dispenser 14. The
dispensing machine 10 includes the second cup holder 20b configured
to hold the second cup 15b and the second drive mechanism (see FIG.
5) that moves the second cup holder 20b on the deck 18 between the
second staging position 70b where the second cup 15b is received in
the second cup holder 20b and the common dispensing position 72
where the cup 15b receives food product from the food product
dispenser 14. The first and second drive mechanisms 60 travel along
first and second radial paths 74a, 74b, respectively, with respect
to the common dispensing position 72. The first cup holder 20a
retains first driven magnet 38 and the first drive mechanism 60
retains a first driving magnet 62 such that the first driving
magnet 38 couples first cup holder 20a to the first drive mechanism
60 through the deck 18 via magnetic attraction to the first driven
magnet 38.
[0064] In certain examples, the dispensing machine 10 includes the
cup dispenser 90 having the first cup housing 92a which is
configured to hold a plurality of cups 15 and the indicator 98
which is configured to indicate a remaining number of cup dispenses
to the user and comprises a plurality of lights 99. The first cup
housing 92a includes the first outlet 94 through which the user can
manually dispense cups 15 and the first dispense sensor 96 which is
configured to sense cups that are dispensed through the outlet 94.
The controller 116 is included with the dispensing machine 10 and
is configured to receive beverage order data and to control the
indicator 98 based on the cup dispenses sensed by the first
dispense sensor 96 and the beverage order data. The controller 116
selectively controls each light 99 in the plurality of lights 99
such that the plurality of lights 99 indicates the remaining number
of cup dispenses to the user, and the controller 116 calculates the
remaining number of cup dispenses based on the difference between
the cup dispenses sensed by the dispense sensor 96 and a number of
beverages in the beverage order data.
[0065] The present disclosure thus provides methods of determining
cup sizes for the dispensing machine 10. The methods can include:
placing the cup 15 in the cup holder 20 which is configured to hold
the cup 15 such that cup 15 prevents the second sensor 45 from
sensing at least a portion of the target element 22 which is
included with the cup holder 20; sensing a remaining portion of the
target element 22 that is not obstructed by the cup 15; and
operating the controller 116 to determine the size of the cup 15
based on the remaining portion of the target element 22. The
methods may further include determining the size of the cup 15 by
comparing the remaining portion of the target element 22 to a
plurality of cup sizes that are correlated to sizes of the cup
15.
[0066] In the present description, certain terms have been used for
brevity, clearness and understanding. No unnecessary imitations are
to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art
because such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are
intended to be broadly construed. The different apparatuses and
systems described herein may be used alone or in combination with
other apparatuses and systems. Various equivalents, alternatives,
and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *